Andy Burnham pledges end to political instability as he becomes UK PM

Britain's seventh PM in a decade pledged major changes in bid to see off populist forces that are making large gains. Andy Burnham has promised to bring an end to political instability in the United Kingdom after becoming prime minister, according to a monitored public feed from Al Jazeera Latest. The report says Burnham is now Britain’s seventh prime minister in a decade, underscoring the turbulence that has marked the country’s recent politics. In his first message as head of government, he pledged major changes aimed at restoring stability and countering the rise of populist forces that have made large gains. The source report does not provide further details on the policy programme Burnham plans to pursue or the process by which he took office. Still, the broad message of his opening remarks suggests a government framing itself around renewal, order and a response to political fragmentation. A succession of seven prime ministers in 10 years points to repeated upheaval at the top of British politics, and Burnham’s pledge appears designed to project decisiveness after a period of uncertainty. His emphasis on major change also indicates an attempt to win back voters who have turned to populist movements in search of alternatives to the political mainstream.